The World Bank (WB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have committed a combined $544 million to support development initiatives in Balochistan. According to reports, the funds aim to focus on initiatives surrounding education, water access, and women’s financial inclusion.

 

The ADB has granted a $350 million loan for a major initiative aimed at helping women in Pakistan access financial services. Moreover, reports reveal that the WB has approved $194 million in funding for two separate projects in Balochistan.

 

Of the aforementioned WB projects, a $100 million education program, titled “GRADES”, is being designed to improve learning outcomes and enrolment, especially at the childhood and primary levels. Reports indicate that this program could reach a staggering 250,000 children across Balochistan.

 

This project reportedly includes steps like starting early childhood education in more areas, adding double shifts to accommodate more students, building climate-resilient study spaces, and offering safer transport options. 

 

According to reports, the project aims to focus on teacher training, with 5,000 teachers set to receive professional development. Moreover, 400 scholarships will go to female students training to become teachers, which could encourage more women to enter the education sector.

 

Najy Benhassine, the World Bank’s Country Director for Pakistan, outlined how the bank remained “committed to supporting Balochistan through strategic investments in infrastructure and human development.”

 

Reports reveal that WB Project Team Lead Inga Afanasieva also highlighted how the initiative goes beyond classrooms as the program intends to build resilience against disasters and ensure early education systems are more sustainable and accessible.

 

The World Bank’s second project in the province, namely the Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project (BWSPIP), is getting $94 million in financial support. It’s centred on improving access to water in the Talli, Nari, and Lehri river basins of the Kachi Plain, as well as Quetta. 

 

Data from reports suggests that about half a million people are expected to benefit from basic water supply improvements, with an additional 80,000 gaining access to infrastructure that is climate resilient.

 

As per reports, this initiative will work on flood protection, water availability for farming and daily use, and making water delivery systems more reliable. The broader goal is to improve agricultural productivity and provide more economic stability for smallholder and tenant farmers.

 

Task Team Lead Carolina Dominguez Torres reportedly outlined how the BWSPIP is “in line with Pakistan’s Resilient Recovery Framework” and that the program could improve the lives of many in Quetta, especially farmers and women.